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Bottom Line
Patagonia is a company known for its reliability and quality, and the Capilene Midweight Crew follows suit. It is the perfect weight and fit to satisfy many recreation needs all year round. The Capilene held up to scrutiny in controlled testing environments and was a joy to use while running and backpacking in the Rocky Mountains.
The Capilene Midweight is a versatile base layer that looks good and performs better. It gains many benefits from the unique diamond-grid pattern, which traps warmth, allows breathability, and wicks moisture. It’s warm when needed but still lightweight and breathable enough not to feel suffocating. It thrives in most situations, with the exception of some extremes. It never fails to find its way into our laying kit, from a cozy sleeping shirt to an early morning active layer. It even comes with some bonus thumb loops, which aren’t included on all the base layers we tested.
The relaxed fit of the Capilene midweight is comfy, but it can cause mild bunching under some midlayers. We also wouldn’t mind more color options, but it’s not a deal breaker by any means
Quick Specs
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew
Breathable Midweight Base Layer
CleverHiker Rating:
75.3/100
Price:
$79
Weight:
6.2 oz.(Men’s M)
Fabric/Weight:
Midweight polyester
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Easy to layer
Cons
- Not as warm or odor-resistant as wool
Comfort
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew has a number of thoughtful design elements that enhance overall comfort. The fabric is soft against the skin and slightly stretches, allowing it to move with you during aerobic activities. The raglan sleeve construction provides extra freedom of movement and gets the shoulder seams out of the way of backpack straps and other gear. The rest of the seams are virtually unnoticeable as well.
The relaxed fit adds to the overall comfort, although we did notice some bunching under other layers when putting it through our movement test. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but worth considering if you plan on layering frequently. Despite this, the low-profile thumb loops are a smart addition, helping keep the sleeves in place when layering and providing extra hand coverage when needed.
While the fabric isn’t the softest, the combination of its stretch, thoughtful fit, and practical features makes the Capilene Midweight Crew a comfortable and functional base layer.
Warmth
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew delivers a medium level of warmth that works well in various conditions. One way it stands out is its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal choice for those who need warmth without added bulk. It provides an impressive amount of warmth for only weighing 6.2 ounces. The Capilene Midweight is equally effective as a standalone and base layer in colder winter conditions.
The unique diamond-grid pattern of the fabric plays an important role in keeping you warm by both trapping heat and wicking moisture. By effectively pulling sweat away from your skin, it prevents the chilling effect from evaporative cooling. This is crucial during high-output activities, where staying dry can make all the difference.
Overall, its moderate warmth makes it a versatile piece for layering, from shoulder-season hikes to winter outings, providing just enough insulation without weighing you down.
Breathability
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew excels in breathability, making it a solid choice for high-output activities. Its ability to let air flow through the fabric keeps you from overheating while still offering enough insulation to prevent a case of the chills. During testing, it had the third fastest drying time among all the synthetic base layers.
We love the amount of airflow that the diamond-grid pattern lets through. You can feel just the right amount of breeze—enough to keep you cool and comfortable without compromising a lot of warmth. Whether you’re pushing through a tough trail run or simply enjoying a brisk hike, the Capilene Midweight’s breathability is crucial in maintaining comfort throughout your activity.
Overall, the optimum blend of breathability and quick-drying performance makes it a reliable option for active pursuits from fall to spring.
Versatility
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew is one of the more versatile base layers that we tested, making it a reliable choice for year-round use. With its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, it transitions easily between seasons, whether you’re wearing it as a standalone layer in cool fall temperatures or as part of a more comprehensive layering system during winter activities.
The Capilene Midweight Crew performs well across a variety of outdoor pursuits. It’s a solid go-to for running, uphill and downhill skiing, or even as a comfortable sleeping shirt for long backpacking trips. The thumb holes are a nice touch, helping to keep the sleeves in place while layering or offering added hand coverage on brisk mornings.
Whether you’re looking for a base layer for high-output activities or a cozy top for a range of conditions, the Capilene Midweight Crew delivers the right balance of warmth, comfort, and functionality. Its adaptability makes it a valuable piece in any outdoor wardrobe.
Style
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew offers a clean, casual style that’s well-suited for various settings. With a nice, relaxed fit, it doesn’t look too much like activewear. It won’t stand out in a crowd or turn heads, but it fits comfortably into casual environments. Whether you’re on the trail or running errands, it blends in easily without feeling out of place.
That said, with only five color options, there’s not a ton of variety to choose from, and a couple of the shades are quite similar. More color choices would add some excitement to the lineup. However, the design is practical and doesn’t veer too far into the “pajama-like” territory that some base layers do.
Overall, it’s a low-key, versatile piece that looks just as at home in town as it does in the backcountry, offering casual style without compromising on functionality.
Should You Buy the Smartwool Classic Thermal?
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew is a well-rounded base layer that balances warmth, breathability, and comfort. With its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, it performs well in a variety of conditions. It works as a standalone layer during cool-weather activities or as part of a layering system in colder climates. Its breathability and quick-drying capabilities make it ideal for high-output activities, while the low-profile thumbholes, construction, and relaxed fit contribute to its overall comfort.
It’s even stylish enough for casual wear. The Capilene Midweight is just as at home on the mountain as it is at the coffee shop. The limited color options may leave some wanting more variety, but its functionality and versatility are where it shines.
This crew is a great option for hikers, skiers, and runners looking for year-round adaptability without a huge price tag. It may not be the best choice for those seeking maximum warmth or a lightweight summer layer, but it’s hard to beat for everyday versatility.
What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?
Smartwool Classic All-Season Review: This is another midweight base layer with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The Classic All-Season is merino wool instead of synthetic, offering more warmth and odor resistance.
Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew: The Lifa Stripe excels as an active base layer with a very affordable price tag. It’s synthetic, more slim fitting, and supremely breathable.
Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool Review: The Rock’n’Wool is a great alternative for primarily cold-weather use. It’s a little cozier while sacrificing some of the breathability of the Capilene Midweight.
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